Reducing power consumption by a wireless communication device with multiple wireless communication modems

Abstract

A method that reduces power consumption in a wireless communication device having a first and a second modem. The method includes detecting access to a communication network via the second modem, and in response to that detection: establishing a communication channel between the second modem and a communication service over a communication network; and triggering the first modem to enter a sleep state. The communication service is configured to respond to receipt at the communication service of an incoming communication to be routed to the first modem via a first communication network by: (i) automatically transmitting a notification via the communication channel to the second modem and (ii) forwarding the incoming communication via the first communication network to the first modem. The method then includes, in response to receipt of the notification at the device: awakening the first modem to an active state to enable receipt of the incoming communication.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]The present disclosure generally relates to wireless communication devices and in particular to reducing power consumption by modems operating within wireless communication devices.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Cellular modems generally consume more power on a wireless communication device than wireless fidelity (WiFi) modems. Also, cellular data usage generally costs more than WIFI data usage. A power consumption challenge also exists with users of current wireless operator networks that operate using 4G technology and / or one of the older wireless technologies. For example, some wireless carriers provide both 4G LTE and CDMA 1xRTT wireless services. The user equipment subscribed to and / or operating within these carriers has to engage in various activities for each different radio connection. These activities can include independently scanning, monitoring of control and broadcast info, and performing cell change and / or reselecti...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This approach significantly reduces power consumption by minimizing active cellular modem usage and extends battery life while maintaining connectivity through periodic registration and quick reactivation.

Problems solved by technology

Cellular modems generally consume more power on a wireless communication device than wireless fidelity (WiFi) modems.

Also, cellular data usage generally costs more than WIFI data usage.

A power consumption challenge also exists with users of current wireless operator networks that operate using 4G technology and / or one of the older wireless technologies.

Managing the various activities for both radio access technologies (RATs) drains power excessively.

Images